Department for Transport

Railway Stations: Finance

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his Department's announcement of 26 August 2016, for what additional reasons the decision to award new station funding has been delayed.

Paul Maynard: The deadline for bidders for this round of funding was 25 November 2016. We received 19 applications for funding from industry and local authority promoters and we then evaluated each bid against the qualifying and assessment criteria. We could not announce the winning bidders during the pre-election period but now that the General Election period is over, I hope to be able to announce the successful projects shortly.

Crossrail 2 Line

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to respond to Transport for London's Strategic Outline Business Case for Crossrail 2.

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the next stage of public consultation for Crossrail 2 is planned to take place.

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the Government's plans are for implementing Crossrail 2.

Paul Maynard: As with all transport scheme proposals a thorough analysis is being carried out by my department to ensure it is a robust scheme. This includes examining whether the National Infrastructure Commission’s detailed recommendations on the scheme have been taken into account. The next steps and timescales, including when the next stage of public consultation will take place, will therefore be decided as part of this analysis.

Southern: Standards

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Answer of 24 April 2017 to Question 71377, on Southern: standards, on what date the Government plans to publish the report by Chris Gibb on performance of the Southern rail franchise; for what reasons the Government did not publish that report before the General Election; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Maynard: The Chris Gibb report was published by the Department for Transport on 22 June 2017. The report is now available on the GOV.UK website along with the Secretary of State’s response. Please see links provided: GOV.UK website link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/southern-rail-network-gibb-report SoS response link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gibb-report-on-southern-rail-network-government-response As soon as we received the report, the Department assessed Chris Gibb’s technical recommendations against work or commitments that were already planned or underway. In early January we committed an extra £300m funding for Network Rail to boost the resilience of the infrastructure along the Brighton mainline and associated routes. The report could not be published during the pre-election period and we have published the report as soon as possible following the general election.

Peninsula Rail Task Force: Finance

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to announce funding for the Peninsular Rail Task Force's immediate tasks from November 2016.

Paul Maynard: The Department for Transport intends to set out the outcomes we want from the rail network in Control Period 6 (CP6 – 2019 to 2024) during the remainder of 2017, starting with the High Level Output Specification (HLOS), which is expected to be published in July.

Railways: South West

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much will be spent on railway upgrade work in the South West in (a) Control Period 5 and (b) Control Period 6.

Paul Maynard: We are investing more than £400 million in the network in the South West, including continuing funding to deal with resilience near the Dawlish sea wall and the Dawlish cliffs. This is on top of the benefits that will be delivered from new trains coming into service from next year. We intend to set out the outcomes we want from the rail network in Control Period 6 (CP6 – 2019 to 2024) during the remainder of 2017, starting with the High Level Output Specification (HLOS), which is expected to be published in July.

A38: Devon

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much was spent on the A38 in Devon in each year since 2010.

Jesse Norman: The funding for schemes follows fiscal year cycles and accordingly spend is defined by year 2010/11 2011/12 etc. The historic spend figures for the A38 in Devon are as follows:2010/11 - £2,985,863.172011/12 - £4,533,488.182012/13 - £3,999,018.542013/14 - £6,390,422.472014/15 - £20,452,939.652015/16 - £26,076,203.372016/17 - £9,129,144.01 The peak in spend between 2014-2016 reflects the pinch point schemes which were delivered on the A38 within the DevonIn addition, annual routine maintenance such as grass cutting is funded from a separate maintenance budget and spend for this is excluded from the above figures.

A38: Devon

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much funding has been allocated to the A38 in Devon in (a) 2018, (b) 2019, (c) 2020, (d) 2021 and (e) 2022.

Jesse Norman: The funding for schemes follows fiscal year cycles and accordingly spend is defined by year 2017/18 2018/19 etc. Additionally, these figures are forecasts and as such they are not are sub divided by county boundaries at the current time. Current forecast spend for the A38 within Devon and Cornwall is:2017/18 - £17,367,4402018/19 - £12,366,1212019/20 - £11,900,162 The forecast yearly spending figures for the A38 may be subject to change and regional prioritisation but could include schemes on bridge joint replacement, carriageway improvements and drainage works. This work is governed by a series of periodic checks and / or defined maintenance schedules. Annual routine maintenance, such as grass cutting, is funded from a separate budget and this is excluded from these figures. The funding settlement post 2020 is still being developed.

M5

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has any plans to extend the M5 from Exeter to the Tamar Bridge in Plymouth.

Jesse Norman: We are currently preparing for the second Road Investment Strategy that will cover new investments in the strategic road network after 2020. As part of our consideration we shall be examining the evidence relating to the A38 gathered by Highways England through its South West Peninsula Route Strategy, published earlier this year. We shall also take account of the economic importance of the network in providing access to port cities like Plymouth.

Northern Rail: Closures

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the potential costs of closure of the Northern rail line from Sheffield to Worksop in the event of a fire at the abandoned waste recycling site at Sandy Lane, Worksop.

Paul Maynard: Location by location assessments of all possible line closures are generally not conducted as they would require a significant number of variables and assumptions. An estimate in this specific instance has therefore not been made. The industry focuses on developing robust contingency planning processes to minimise the impact to the customer in the event of a disruption.

Train Operating Companies: Standards

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what remedial actions he may take in the event of a franchised train-operating company's force majeure claim for relief from benchmarked contractual payments being (a) not agreed and (b) agreed only in part by his Department.

Paul Maynard: Under the terms of their contracts, train operating companies actual performance is measured by excluding anything caused by a Force Majeure Event. Force Majeure Events are by their very nature incidents which are outside an operators’ direct control, such as major infrastructure failures that result in a line blockage. Remedial actions are not specifically related to whether or not the Department accepts an operators force majeure claim but to whether an operator exceeds their Performance Benchmarks as set out in their respective contract.

Great Western Railway Line: Electrification

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will review the decision to postpone electrification of the railway line between Bristol and Bath.

Paul Maynard: The programme of railway upgrades, including the railway line between Bristol and Bath, will continue to be subject to ongoing assessment of investment decisions. This is so that passengers and taxpayers get maximum value and so that passenger benefits are delivered in the best way possible. This includes consideration of what projects will be taken forward in the next rail investment period.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Change of Use

Sir Vince Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will review the rules governing permitted development for change of use from commercial and industrial to residential; and what estimate he has made of changes in use by borough in each year from 2010 to 2015.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Grenfell Tower: Fires

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what information his Department holds on the number of people rehoused as a result of the Grenfell Tower fire who are facing potential increases in rent; and if he will take steps to ensure that no person has to pay increased rent who has been so rehoused.

Mr Marcus Jones: Holding answer received on 28 June 2017



People whose homes were destroyed in the fire will be provided with temporary accommodation at no cost. They will be offered permanent social housing at a social rent. This will mean that their rent will be no higher than their rent in Grenfell Tower, for a similar-sized property.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Arts: Electronic Commerce

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will ensure content creators are paid for the content they make available online.

Joseph Johnson: The Government is committed to ensuring content creators are appropriately rewarded for the content they make available online while also ensuring that we continue to encourage investment in new content and innovative services. The Government is currently engaging with these issues as part of the EU Digital Single Market initiative, where we are negotiating a package of measures which seek to support fairness in the online value chain. The Government will continue to ensure there is a robust system for protection of intellectual property when the UK has left the EU, with strong protections against infringement.

Limited Liability: Scotland

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he plans to bring Scottish Limited Partnerships within the scope of the register of persons of significant control.

Margot James: I refer the right hon. Member to the Scottish Partnerships (Register of People with Significant Control) Regulations 2017. S.I. 2017 No. 694.

Mineworkers' Pension Scheme

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will enter into negotiations with the Mineworkers Pension Scheme Trustees to discuss the current surplus sharing arrangements.

Richard Harrington: The existing surplus-sharing arrangements have worked well to date for the Scheme’s members. The presence of the Government guarantee has enabled the Scheme Trustees to invest so as to target surpluses, which has resulted in a 30% increase in payments to members. The Department cannot unilaterally amend the terms of the scheme, though we would be willing to consider any proposals put forward by the Scheme Trustees.

Small Businesses: Scotland

Stephen Kerr: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what strategy his Department has to support a growth pipeline to help small businesses in Scotland expand.

Margot James: Small businesses play a central role in driving economic growth across the UK and this Government is committed to supporting their continued success. The industrial strategy will build on this to make the most of the diverse strengths of all of Britain’s cities and regions including Scotland, and grasp the opportunities that could drive faster growth in each of them. Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness City Deals have seen £702m of additional funding from the UK government flow into Scotland. Projects and programmes agreed are helping businesses by: establishing new incubation and innovation hubs; improving local infrastructure; extending and improving the quality of broadband; and tackling key barriers to growth in certain sectors. Moving forward we are committed to working with the Scottish Government and local communities to agree further deals with: Edinburgh and South East Scotland; Stirling and Clackmannanshire; Tay Cities; and Borderlands.

Renewable Energy: Community Assets

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans his Department has to support community-owned renewable energy.

Richard Harrington: This Government is committed to empowering communities and these projects, which put local people in the driving seat, are an important part of a clean, secure and affordable energy system. We applaud the work done by the local council in the hon. Member’s own constituency with the Plymouth Energy Community.Since 2013, the UK Government has committed over £16m to support community energy. This includes the Rural Community Energy Fund which continues to offer feasibility and development finance for renewable energy projects. Community renewable energy projects also remain eligible to apply for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme.We are pleased to support events of the current Community Energy Fortnight (24th June – 7th July) and are reviewing the latest State of the Sector report by Community Energy England.This Government sees community energy as an important part of a wider local energy ecosystem; with cities, municipalities and local partners driving this agenda. As such we have already committed funding to identify and overcome local barriers to delivery in the short term while we understand the contribution and importance of this sector to the delivery of both the Industrial Strategy and the Clean Growth Plan.

Arts: Income

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the trends in income from artists resale rights.

Joseph Johnson: The Government has made no such assessment. Like other licensing schemes run in the UK, the collection of artist’s resale right is managed by collective management organisations on behalf of artists. These organisations, which include DACS and the Artist’s Collecting Society, are mandated by artists to collect on their behalf, and are responsible for publishing information on artist income generated from the resale right.

Fuel Poverty

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many households are classed as fuel poor in (a) Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK.

Richard Harrington: Fuel poverty is a devolved issue. Each nation in the UK has its own fuel poverty definition, targets and policies to tackle the issue. As each country uses different measures and heating assumptions, an overall UK figure is not available.The latest fuel poverty statistics for Scotland can be found at: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/12/1539.

Energy: Billing

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what proportion of household expenditure was spent on energy bills in (a) the Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each year since 2010.

Richard Harrington: The average expenditure on household energy bills as a proportion of total expenditure in the UK for each year since 2010 is as follows: Proportion of total expenditure spent on domestic energy bills20104.5%20114.6%20124.7%20135.1%20144.9%2015/164.4%Source: ONS’s living costs and food survey (table A6). The proportion of household expenditure spent on energy bills is only available for each year at the UK level and is not available by constituency or region. However, a three year average is available for Scotland. The three year average for the UK has also been provided for comparison. The proportion of total expenditure spent on energy bills in Scotland for 2013/14 – 2015/16 is 5.4 per cent. For the UK, this figure is 4.8 per cent. Data is sourced from ONS which can be found in table A35:https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/personalandhouseholdfinances/expenditure/datasets/detailedhouseholdexpenditurebycountriesandregionsuktablea35

Green Investment Bank

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much finance the Green Investment Bank has provided since its creation in (a) the Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK.

Claire Perry: UK Green Investment Bank plc (GIB) provides a full list of its investments across the United Kingdom for each financial year on its website: www.greeninvestmentbank.com GIB has committed £179.7m to 18 Scottish projects, either directly or via its fund managers, since 2012. Those projects are: Distillery biomass boiler platform phase 1Distillery biomass boiler platform phase 2Speyside CHP projectGlasgow City Council streetlighting projectLevenseat recycling and waste plant, Forth by LanarkScotland-wide heat pump installation programme, starting with Borders CollegeNHS Tayside energy efficiency programmeWick district heating schemeStirling Council streetlighting projectNHS Grampian energy efficiency programmeGoathill QuarryChaorachRiver ArkaigLiatre BurnBruachaigSrondoireBlackcraigMillerhill recycling and waste plant None of those projects are located in the Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency.

British Business Bank

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much finance the British Business Bank has provided since its creation in (a) the Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK.

Margot James: The British Business Bank (BBB) is a government-owned economic development bank. It manages the UK Government’s access to finance programmes for smaller businesses within a single commercially-minded institution. The Bank received State aid clearance to start operating in November 2014. Since this date, BBB has facilitated the following finance:  UKScotlandLinlithgow and East Falkirk*Finance facilitated£9.5bnOver £323mAlmost £1m* ENABLE data is not available at constituency level

Carbon Capture and Storage

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has for carbon capture and storage.

Richard Harrington: The Government’s view is that carbon capture and storage (CCS) has a potential role in the long-term decarbonisation of the UK’s economy, but its costs must come down.We will set out our plans for CCS in due course, taking into account the findings and recommendations made in the report ‘Lowest Cost Decarbonisation for the UK: the critical role of carbon capture and storage’, published by the Lord Oxburgh-led Parliamentary Advisory Group on CCS.

Offshore Industry: North Sea

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of future trends in the level of investment in the North Sea oil and gas sector.

Richard Harrington: Significant opportunities remain in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) with an estimated 10-20 billion barrels of oil equivalent remaining. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimate total expenditure to be £73.7 billion between 2017 and 2021.We have already seen substantial investment in the North Sea during 2017, with almost $4 billion of upstream deals announced during the first two months, with the potential for more as the year progresses. This is a significant vote of confidence in the UKCS and reaffirms the globally competitive fiscal and regulatory regime.The Government, along with the Oil and Gas Authority are working hard to stimulate exploration and new capital investment. The UK Government have provided £40m funding for new seismic surveys which resulted in a successful 29th licensing round earlier this year. In addition, the Oil and Gas Authority have recently made freely available a substantial package of subsurface data, in order to generate interest ahead of the 30th licensing round which will be launched soon. The Oil and Gas Authority estimate that capital expenditure in the UKCS will be £27.6 billion between 2017 and 2021.

Solar Power: Housing

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to promote domestic solar photovoltaic installations.

Richard Harrington: The Government continues to promote domestic solar photovoltaic installations with the Feed-in Tariff scheme. Current funding arrangements are in place until March 2019.This scheme has supported over 800,000 solar installations to date.

Solar Power: Scotland

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what proportion of the total Feed-in Tariff subsidy to date for solar PV installations has been given to installations in Scotland.

Richard Harrington: As of the end of March 17, 5% of the solar PV capacity installed under the Feed-in-Tariff scheme (FITs) is in Scotland, with Solar PV representing 80% of all electricity generating capacity supported under the FITs.

Gas Fired Power Stations

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the total installed generating capacity is of those gas-powered generating stations which have been constructed in England since 2000.

Richard Harrington: The current total installed generating capacity of gas-powered generating stations which have been constructed in England since 2000 is 12,611 MW.This information is publicly available as part of DUKES (Digest of UK Energy Statistics) at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/577712/DUKES_2016_FINAL.pdf

Hydroelectric Power: Scotland

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many renewable obligation certificates have been issued to date to accredited Scottish hydro stations built before 2000; and of those, how many were issued to hydro stations that, before 2000, had a generating capacity calculated in excess of 20MWs, but were subsequently calculated as having a net capacity of less than 20MWs.

Richard Harrington: The Department does not hold this information. However, between 1 April 2002 and 31 March 2017, a total of 21.97 million Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) were issued to accredited Scottish hydro stations that commissioned before 2000.[1]Hydro stations with a declared net capacity of above 20MW which first commissioned on or before 1 April 2002 are not eligible for ROCs. [1] Data is not held on build dates. The figure for total ROCs issued is based on those issued and not subsequently revoked for stations that commissioned up to the end of 1999. The commissioning data is taken from Ofgem’s RO accredited stations report at: https://www.renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk/Public/ReportViewer.aspx?ReportPath=/Renewables/Accreditation/AccreditedStationsExternalPublic&ReportVisibility=1&ReportCategory=1The number of ROCs issued to these stations from 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2006 comes from Ofgem’s spreadsheets at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/rocs-purged-roc-register . Data from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2017 comes from Ofgem’s certificates report at: https://www.renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk/Public/ReportViewer.aspx?ReportPath=/DatawarehouseReports/CertificatesExternalPublicDataWarehouse&ReportVisibility=1&ReportCategory=2Both data sources were accessed on 23 June 2017. No information is available on previous capacity before the stations accredited under the RO.

Business: Regulation

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether it is his policy to continue with the Red Tape Challenge; and if he will provide an update of its work to date.

Margot James: Holding answer received on 27 June 2017



The Red Tape Challenge programme ran until 2015 and identified over 3,000 regulations to improve and reform. We are currently considering how best to continue to deliver our commitment to regulate more efficiently and effectively over the course of this parliament.

Borough Market: Terrorism

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will meet Borough Market traders to discuss their business needs in the aftermath of the recent terror attack which forced those businesses to close temporarily.

Margot James: It is important that local traders are adequately supported in the aftermath of this tragic event. I will be happy to meet with Borough Market traders whose businesses have been forced to close temporarily in order to discuss their business needs going forward.

Beer: Small Businesses

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what information his Department holds on the number of microbreweries in the UK in each year for which data is available.

Margot James: While we do not hold information on the number of microbreweries (which are typically identified by the limited amount of beer they produce), data is collected on the number of manufacturers of beer split by employee size-band. As displayed in the table below the number of breweries has increased by over 120%, with the vast majority of this increase being among those enterprises with less than 10 employees.Number of Beer Manufacturing Enterprises DateTotal0 to 9 employees20105104352011555480201263554520137356402014885780201599587520161,1351,000Source: UK Business- Activity Size and Location (ONS)

Poverty: Consumer Organisations

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to page 56 of the report, UK Poverty: Causes and Solutions, published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on 6 September 2016, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the recommendation to support consumer organisations with funding, capacity and statutory rights, to enable them to analyse data to identify areas of detriment to people in poverty.

Margot James: The department provides £22.3 million to Citizens Advice and £2.9 million to Citizens Advice Scotland annually in core funding enabling those organisations to use their data to undertake further research to help those most in need, including the vulnerable and those in poverty.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Hungary: Economic Growth and Refugees

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Hungarian Government on (a) refugee movements and (b) economic development in that country.

Sir Alan Duncan: ​We enjoy a strong bilateral relationship with Hungary. Officials at the British Embassy in Budapest routinely discuss economic and political developments with the Hungarian Government. Migration is also regularly discussed in EU fora.

Taimoor Raza

Liz McInnes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Government of Pakistan on the death sentence for blasphemy placed on Taimoor Raza.

Mark Field: The UK remains firmly opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances. We have repeatedly called upon the Government of Pakistan to end capital punishment and, at a minimum, commit publicly to renewing the previously imposed moratorium on the death penalty. We regularly raise our concerns about freedom of expression and the misuse of the blasphemy laws with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level. Our concerns are reflected in the latest update to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office annual human rights report.The Foreign Secretary raised religious tolerance and misuse of the blasphemy laws during his visit to Pakistan in November 2016. My predecessor, my Hon. Friend the Member for Reading West (Mr Sharma), discussed the death penalty and the importance we attach to freedom of expression with Kamran Michael, Pakistani Minister for Human Rights, and Barrister Zafarullah Khan, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Human Rights, during his visit to Pakistan in January 2017.The Government will continue to urge Pakistan to honour in practice its human rights obligations, including those related to the death penalty and freedom of expression and religion.

Qatar: Overseas Companies

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of the number of UK businesses operating in Qatar; and what assessment he has made of the effect on such businesses of sanctions imposed by other countries on Qatar since 5 June 2017.

Boris Johnson: In discussions with regional counterparts, UK Ministers are making clear that finding a resolution to the current situation will be important to protect UK interests in the region, including those of British businesses.We continue to monitor the situation closely and are actively engaging with UK businesses in the UK and the region. Many businesses have adopted work-arounds for the time-being to ensure impact is minimal to their operations.

Qatar: Sanctions

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his counterparts in (a) Saudi Arabia, (b) UAE, (c) Bahrain, (d) Egypt and (e) Yemen on the imposition of sanctions by those countries on Qatar since 5 June 2017; what steps he is taking to facilitate a negotiated solution to the dispute between those countries; and what assessment he has made of the prospects for restoration of full diplomatic ties between those countries.

Boris Johnson: I have been in touch with my counterparts across the region including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt to discuss the actions taken against Qatar.In the discussions I have had with all parties, I have encouraged dialogue as the way to resolve the situation. I emphasised that Gulf unity is the best way to counter extremism and ensure the region is a stable place to live, work and do business. Any demands on Qatar must be measured and realistic.

Gulf Cooperation Council

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information his Department holds on the terms of the Riyadh Agreement reached between members of the Gulf Cooperation Council in November 2014; and what assessment he has made of compliance by the Government of Qatar with the terms of that agreement (a) before and (b) after 5 June 2017.

Boris Johnson: As a partner of the UK in the fight against terrorism, Qatar needs to build on the steps they have already taken to tackle funding to extremist groups.We will study all evidence very closely, and encourage Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt to disclose any evidence to the relevant authorities.Any demands made on the Qataris must be measured and realistic.

Qatar: British Nationals Abroad

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of the number of UK nationals living in Qatar; and what assessment he has made of the effect on such UK nationals of sanctions imposed by other countries on Qatar since 5 June 2017.

Boris Johnson: There are around 20,000 UK nationals living in Qatar.In discussions with regional counterparts, UK Ministers are making clear that finding a resolution to the current situation will be important to protect UK interests in the region, including those of British nationals living around the Gulf.We have sought reassurances that restrictions for entry do not apply to UK nationals and have updated our travel advice to this effect.

Qatar: British Nationals Abroad

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many requests for consular assistance his Department has received from UK nationals in Qatar since 5 June 2017; and what support his Department is providing in response to such requests.

Boris Johnson: Since 5 June 2017, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received 145 calls from British nationals in Qatar. Of the calls relating to the current tensions, all were about visiting or transiting the countries involved. We directed these callers to our updated Qatar travel advice and in-country immigration authorities.

Qatar: Liquefied Natural Gas

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of sanctions imposed by other countries on Qatar since 5 June 2017 on UK imports of liquefied natural gas from Qatar.

Boris Johnson: The UK has a diverse range of supply sources, including domestic production, pipeline imports from Norway and the continent, and imports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from elsewhere in the world. The ability to draw on a wide range of sources enhances the UK's gas security of supply.We do not assess that the current situation in the Gulf warrants concern for our gas security, but we will continue to monitor this. Wholesale gas prices in the UK are low, which indicates that the market is not concerned. Qatari production and export of LNG have continued as they did before the dispute began. Any disruption to our supply of Qatari LNG is likely to be manageable.

Qatar: Food

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the effect on Qatar's food imports of the closure of the Abu Samra border between that country and Saudi Arabia.

Boris Johnson: We continue to monitor the situation closely. We are aware that work-arounds and alternative sourcing have been found, including for dairy products. We are keen for a resolution to the current situation to be found quickly.

Arab States: al-Jazeera Satellite Television

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his counterparts in (a) Jordan and (b) Saudi Arabia on the revocation of licences for the Al Jazeera Media Network to broadcast in those countries.

Boris Johnson: We frequently raise a range of issues, including freedom of speech, with both Jordan and Saudi Arabia.Ministers are also actively engaged on easing the tensions in the Gulf and calling for de-escalation. Regional unity is crucial for the long-term stability of the Middle East.

United Arab Emirates: Freedom of Expression

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his counterpart in the UAE on the recent announcement of that country's intention to punish expressions of sympathy towards Qatar with imprisonment for up to 15 years.

Boris Johnson: In my meetings with the Deputy Foreign Minister from the United Arab Emirates and my counterparts from the region, I have made it clear that we want de-escalation.In the meantime, we have updated our travel advice to alert British nationals to the recent announcement that showing sympathy for Qatar on social media or by any other means of communication is an offence in the UAE.

Qatar: International Transport

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of sanctions imposed by other countries on Qatar since 5 June 2017 on (a) commercial flights and (b) commercial shipping between the UK and Qatar.

Boris Johnson: We are aware that air carriers registered in Qatar, including Qatar Airways, have restrictions on the airspace they can use. There are currently no direct flights between Qatar and a number of countries, including Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.We understand that alternative routes are being used for commercial shipping to and from Qatar.We continue to monitor the situation closely and will continue to assess the impact of restrictions as the dispute continues.

Stephen O'Malley

Mrs Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has received a response on the latest investigation into the death of Stephen O'Malley; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Danish authorities have written directly to Mr O'Malley's family to inform them of the outcome of their investigation. The family shared a copy of the response with consular staff, who have encouraged them to consider seeking legal advice.

Russia: Discrimination

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Russian counterpart on plans to combat anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination at the 2018 World Cup in that country.

Sir Alan Duncan: We want UK fans to be able to enjoy a safe and secure visit to Russia for the World Cup next year. As part of the Be on the Ball campaign, the FCO has published specific travel advice for the World Cup (www.gov.uk/russia2018).Regular meetings take place between UK officials and the Russian authorities to discuss preparations for major sporting events. For example, a UK delegation attended the Confederations Cup this month.We also regularly raise our concerns with the Russian authorities on their human rights record.

State Visits: USA

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether it remains the Government's policy to proceed with the State Visit of President Trump.

Sir Alan Duncan: ​Yes.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to secure the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe from prison and the return of her daughter to the UK.

Alistair Burt: The Prime Minister, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), has raised our strong concerns for Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe with Iranian President Rouhani several times, most recently on 24 May. The Foreign Secretary has also raised our concerns. I will continue to remind the Iranian authorities of these concerns, as I did in a phone call with the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister on 21 June. We remain ready to facilitate Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's daughter's return to the UK if requested.

Cabinet Office

Corruption

Frank Field: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to review progress on the commitments made at the 2016 International Anti-Corruption Summit; and what the timetable is for further reviews of that progress.

Chris Skidmore: Progress on the anti-corruption commitments made at the 2016 Summit is continuously monitored. The UK has made good progress. Since last May, we have for example: ● Established a public central register of beneficial ownership information;● Introduced Unexplained Wealth Orders and other important anti-corruption measures through the Criminal Finances Act;● Undergone the first IMF Fiscal Transparency Evaluation for a G7 country; and● Launched the ‘Contracting 5’ (C5) initiative at the Open Government Partnership Global Summit 2016 with Colombia, France, Mexico, and Ukraine.

Corruption

Frank Field: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to appoint an anti-corruption champion.

Chris Skidmore: A decision on the anti-corruption champion appointment will be made in due course.

Zero Hours Contracts: Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people in Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency are employed on zero-hours contracts; how many of those people are (a) aged between 16 and 24-years old and (b) women.

Chris Skidmore: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA Response to PQ152
(PDF Document, 198.28 KB)

Unemployment: Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many workless households there are in Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency.

Chris Skidmore: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA Response to PQ182
(PDF Document, 180.44 KB)

General Election 2017

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of (a) the cost to the public purse of administering the 2017 General Election and (b) the amount that accrued to the public purse as a result of candidates losing their deposits at that election.

Chris Skidmore: The total cost to the public purse of administering the 2017 UK parliamentary general election comprises two main elements: the expenditure incurred by Returning Officers in running the poll; and the cost of delivering election mailings produced by candidates. Returning Officers will have six months from the day of the poll to submit their expense claims, and so the final cost will not be known until these have been received, scrutinised and settled. The actual cost of delivering candidates’ mailings will also not be known until all invoices from the universal service provider (Royal Mail) have been received and settled. The total amount accrued to the public purse as a result of candidates losing their deposits at the 2017 UK general election is not yet available.

Debts

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of household debt in (a) Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each year since 2010.

Chris Skidmore: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply. 



UKSA Response to PQ9
(PDF Document, 86.38 KB)

Older Workers: Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the number of people in Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency in employment who are aged between (a) 50 to 59, (b) 60 to 69 and (c) over 70 years old.

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people are registered as self-employed in (a) Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK.

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people with learning difficulties and seeking work were unemployed in Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency in each year since 2010.

Chris Skidmore: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA Response to PQ8, PQ68, PQ70
(PDF Document, 193.87 KB)

Employment

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the number of people in employment which primarily requires working at night in (a) Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in the last 12 months.

Chris Skidmore: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply. 



UKSA response to PQ69
(PDF Document, 113.47 KB)

EU Nationals: Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many non-UK EU nationals are resident in Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency.

Chris Skidmore: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply. 



UKSA Response to PQ71
(PDF Document, 115.03 KB)

Capital Investment: Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much Government investment has been made in Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency in each year since 2010.

Chris Skidmore: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA Response to PQ177
(PDF Document, 69.97 KB)

Average Earnings: Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the average salary for (a) men, (b) women, (c) non-UK EU nationals in the Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency was in each year since 2010.

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many (a) women and (b) men working in Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency earn less than £10 per hour.

Chris Skidmore: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA Response to PQ7 and PQ255
(PDF Document, 147.93 KB)

Voting Rights: Young People

Grahame Morris: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to lower the voting age to 16.

Chris Skidmore: The Government stated in its manifesto a commitment to maintain the voting age at 18. The Government therefore has no plans to lower the voting age in elections.

General Election 2017

Alan Brown: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse has been of holding the 2017 General Election.

Chris Skidmore: The total cost to the public purse of administering the 2017 UK parliamentary general election comprises two main elements: the expenditure incurred by Returning Officers in running the poll; and the cost of delivering election mailings produced by candidates. Returning Officers will have six months from the day of the poll to submit their expense claims, and so the final cost will not be known until these have been received, scrutinised and settled. The actual cost of delivering candidates’ mailings will also not be known until all invoices from the universal service provider (Royal Mail) have been received and settled.

House of Lords: Reform

Justin Madders: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his policy is on reform of the House of Lords.

Chris Skidmore: As set out in the Conservative manifesto, although comprehensive reform is not a priority, we are committed to ensure that the House of Lords continues to fulfil its constitutional role as a revising and scrutinising chamber which respects the primacy of the House of Commons. We will continue to work to ensure the work of the House of Lords remains relevant and effective by addressing issues such as its size.

Voting Rights: Young People

Martyn Day: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to bring forward proposals to reduce the age for eligibility to vote in elections to 16.

Chris Skidmore: The Government stated in its manifesto a commitment to maintain the voting age at 18. The Government therefore has no plans to lower the voting age in elections.

Electoral Register: Proof of Identity

Jim McMahon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government plans to pilot voter identification at the 2018 local elections.

Chris Skidmore: In line with its manifesto commitment, the Government intends to legislate to ensure that a form of identification must be presented before voting. It is intended that this requirement be tested through pilot schemes at the May 2018 elections. Pilots will help to identify the best way of administering this new requirement.

Cybercrime: Training

Karl Turner: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many 11 to 15-year-olds have completed the Cyber First course.

Caroline Nokes: Around 8,500 11-15 year olds have participated in a CyberFirst course since the initiative was launched in 2016. The courses included: four 'Girls Only’ development days for 14-15 year olds, two ‘CyberFirst Adventurers’ days for 11-13 year olds, and an online girl’s only competition aimed at girls age 13-16.

Attorney General

Members: Correspondence

Kevin Hollinrake: To ask the Attorney General, if he will provide an update on the status of the case of the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton's constituent, as detailed in the letter of 14 December 2016 on the Serious Fraud Investigation into allegations concerning GPT and the conduct of its business in Saudi Arabia.

Jeremy Wright: Progress is being made on the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation into allegations concerning GPT and aspects of the conduct of their business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, as was the position in December 2016, it would not be appropriate for me to discuss the status of a live criminal investigation further at this stage.When it is appropriate to do so the SFO publish updates on the status of the GPT case on their website. The most recent information can be found at: www.sfo.gov.uk/cases/gpt-special-project-management-ltd/.

Serious Fraud Office: Finance

Karl Turner: To ask the Attorney General, how many times since 2010 the Serious Fraud Office has applied for Blockbuster Funding; what decision was made on each application; and how much funding was granted to each successful applicant.

Jeremy Wright: There have been eight blockbuster funding applications since 2010, all of which which have been approved by the Treasury. Funding for these cases is provided from the reserve. Total reserve funding by year from 2012-13 is:2012-132013-142014-152015-162016-17£000s£000s£000s£000s£000s -5,0002,00010,00010,0006,73519,00023,23718,0007,5006,73524,00025,23728,00017,500All of these blockbuster funded cases are still under active investigation and it is not possible for operational reasons to provide a breakdown of how the funding is allocated in each case.Reserve funding for years prior to 2016-17 also covers the costs of the SFO’s civil litigation cases.

Department for International Development

Department for International Development: Ministerial Responsibility

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the ministerial responsibilities within her Department are of the new joint Department for International Development-Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers.

Rory Stewart: Mr Stewart and Mr Burt will build on the existing close cooperation between DFID and the FCO to strengthen the coordination of Britain's diplomatic and development work around the world. Individual responsibilities for all of our Ministers are available on our website (Rory Stewart OBE MP and Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP).

Department for Education

Schools: Asbestos

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department plans to take to prevent school pupils and staff being exposed to asbestos in schools.

Nick Gibb: The Department takes the issue of asbestos in schools seriously, and we are committed to supporting schools, local authorities and academy trusts to fulfil their responsibility to manage asbestos safely. The Health and Safety Executive advise that as long as asbestos-containing materials are undamaged, encapsulated and not in locations where they are vulnerable to damage, they should be managed in situ.We published updated guidance in March 2017, which provides information on how those responsible for asbestos management in schools - normally local authorities, governing bodies and academy trusts - should manage asbestos in order to prevent pupils and staff being exposed to asbestos. This includes new supplementary guidance to help schools understand where asbestos is commonly found, so that they can work with qualified professionals to assess and manage the risks.We have made it clear that the removal of asbestos should take place when it has been identified that asbestos containing materials are in poor condition in a school building. This is why we have allocated £4.2bn to schools, local authorities and academy trusts since 2015 to maintain and improve the condition of the school estate and they are able to use the funding that is available to them to remove asbestos where that is appropriate.We intend to enhance our understanding of how effectively asbestos is being managed in schools, by asking all responsible bodies to provide a report on their schools’ compliance with associated legislation and guidance. Through this assurance process, responsible bodies can confirm that they have the necessary processes and procedures in place, in relation to the management of asbestos, to ensure the safety of pupils, staff and visitors to their schools.

Pupils: Disadvantaged

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Government consultation, Analysing family circumstances and education, published on 12 April 2017, what the proportion is of pupils attending (a) selective schools (b) non-selective schools in highly selective areas, and (c) other non-selective schools from families in each income decile according to equivalised household income.

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Government consultation, Analysing family circumstances and education, published on 12 April 2017, what the proportion is of pupils attending (a) faith primary schools and (b) all other primary schools from families in each decile according to equivalised household earnings.

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Government consultation, Analysing family circumstances and education, published on 12 April 2017, what the proportion is of pupils attending (a) faith secondary schools and (b) all other secondary schools from families in each decile according to equivalised household earnings.

Nick Gibb: The open consultation on Analysing family circumstances and education provided a range of supporting analysis including the breakdowns asked for using broader income groups rather than deciles. Supplementary tables with additional analysis will be published by the department as part of the consultation response.

Students: Disadvantaged

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many students beginning their first undergraduate degree in England in the (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 2012-13, (d) 2013-14, (e) 2014-15, (f) 2015-16 and (g) 2016-17 academic years were within each decile of the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index.

Joseph Johnson: The information requested is not available.

Sex and Relationship Education

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the Government plans to consult on proposed changes to relationships and sex education in schools.

Nick Gibb: The Department for Education will be conducting a thorough engagement process on the scope and content of relationships education and relationships and sex education, involving a wide range of interested stakeholders. This process will seek evidence from schools and teachers; parents and pupils; experts in safeguarding and child wellbeing; subject experts; voluntary organisations and other interested parties; and other government departments and public sector bodies. It will inform the development of regulations and statutory guidance, covering subject content, school practice and quality of delivery, which will then be subject to consultation. Following consultation, regulations will be laid in the House allowing for a full and considered debate. We will set out more details shortly about the engagement process and the work to consider age appropriate subject content.

Education: Standards

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will provide an update on the Opportunity Areas programme.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Department for Education is working alongside local partners including local authorities, schools, universities and businesses in 12 Opportunity Areas to develop and agree plans in due course. These plans, which will build on effective local initiatives to improve outcomes, will outline how we will ensure that children and young in each area can access high quality education and opportunities, at every stage of their life from early years to employment, and fulfil their potential.We are taking an evidence-based approach that recognises the need to address long-standing challenges and barriers to social mobility, which will allow us to identify what works and spread this to other parts of the country that face similar challenges.The work led by the Careers and Enterprise Company is one example of how we are increasing opportunity. We have committed to ensuring that young people between 11 and 18 benefit from high quality careers advice and at least four work placements through the course of their education. To deliver this commitment they have recruited Enterprise Advisers, to work with schools and colleges in all 12 areas and have the support of a number of a growing number of businesses.

Free School Meals

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her Department's policy is on free school meals.

Mr Robert Goodwill: We will reflect further on our policies to support meal provision in schools, and will come forward with proposals in due course.

Ministry of Justice

Fraud: Criminal Liability

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when he plans to publish the results of the call for evidence on corporate criminal liability for economic crime.

Dominic Raab: The Government received a broad range of responses to the call for evidence on economic crime. Many submissions raised complex issues and the MOJ is currently analysing these before reporting in due course.

Court Orders

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many restraining orders were issued by courts in England and Wales during 2015; and of those orders how many prohibited online contact via any social media platform.

Dominic Raab: In 2015, 23,057 restraining orders were issued in total by all courts in England and Wales.Information on the specific restrictions within each restraining order is held on individual court files and could therefore only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Road Traffic Offences: Sentencing

Liz McInnes: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when his Department plans to publish its response to the consultation that closed on 1 February 2017 on driving offences and penalties relating to causing death or serious injury.

Dominic Raab: The consultation on driving offences and penalties issued by the previous government closed on 1 February. The government is now considering the consultation responses. Any announcement will be made in due course.

Disability Living Allowance: Appeals

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many applications for disability living allowance that were refused at mandatory consideration were (a) appealed, (b) overturned at tribunal and (c) dismissed at tribunal in (i) Blackburn constituency, (ii) local authorities in Lancashire and (iii) the UK in each year since 2011.

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many applications for personal independence payments that were refused at mandatory consideration were (a) appealed, (b) overturned at tribunal and (c) dismissed at tribunal in (i) Blackburn constituency, (ii) local authorities in Lancashire and (iii) the UK in each year since 2011.

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many applications for incapacity benefit that were refused at mandatory consideration were (a) appealed, (b) overturned at tribunal and (c) dismissed at tribunal in (i) Blackburn constituency, (ii) local authorities in Lancashire and (iii) the UK in each year since 2011.

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many applications for employment and support allowance that were refused at mandatory consideration were (a) appealed, (b) overturned at tribunal and (c) dismissed at tribunal in (i) Blackburn constituency, (ii) local authorities in Lancashire and (iii) the UK in each year since 2011.

Dominic Raab: This information is not held centrally.Information about the number and outcomes of Social Security and Child Support appeals is published on gov.uk. The most recent statistics, for the period January to March 2017, can be viewed at :https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-and-gender-recognitions-certificates-statistics-quarterly-january-to-march-2017-and-2016-to-2017

Domestic Violence: Convictions

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what sentences resulted for all convictions for the offence of coercive and controlling behaviour in each month since December 2015.

Dominic Raab: The number of offenders sentenced at all courts for offences of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship, by month, in England and Wales, from December 2015 to December 2016 can be viewed in the table which is a further breakdown of published data. Court proceedings data for 2017 are planned for publication on 17 May 2018. 



Offenders Sentenced at all Courts - 2015 - 2016
(Excel SpreadSheet, 31 KB)

Prisoners: Rehabilitation

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the provisions of the Courts Bill as introduced will include measures to provide targeted and supportive care to prisoners.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The Government remains absolutely committed to continuing to reform our prisons, delivering the commitments set out in our white paper to make them places of safety and reform.These priorities can be delivered through operational changes, without legislation, and so will not be in the Courts Bill. An example of what this means in terms of targeted and supportive care to prisoners is the introduction of a new offender management model. One aspect of this is the new keyworker role; every residential officer will responsible for supervising and supporting a small caseload of offenders. Key Workers will motivate, challenge and encourage individuals to use their time in custody to the best effect, assisting them to access the support and assistance they require to turn their lives around. Prisoners are also far more likely to suffer from mental health issues than the general population, which is why we’re investing in specialist mental health training for prison officers to help reduce the worrying levels of self-harm and suicide in our prisons. We are also increasing support to those at risk of self-harm or suicide, especially in the first 24 hours when we know offenders are at their most vulnerable, and working with the Health Secretary to increase the use of community sentences with mental health requirements so prison is not used as a last resort.

Prisons

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the provisions of the Courts Bill as introduced will include measures on (a) new standards and league table for prisons, (b) a new commissioning structure for prisons and (c) new powers for prison governors.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The Government remains absolutely committed to continuing to reform our prisons, delivering the commitments set out in our white paper to make them places of safety and reform.The most pressing priorities can be delivered through operational changes, without legislation. The white paper set out new standards, performance tables and a new commissioning structure for prisons, as well as new powers for prison governors. All these measures can be delivered without primary legislation and so these measures will not be in the Courts Bill.

Prisons

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the provisions of the Courts Bill as introduced will include measures to strengthen the (a) Inspectorate of Prisons and (b) Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Robust, independent scrutiny is an essential part of our prison system. We take reports from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) and the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) extremely seriously and will continue to do so. However, we are further committed to strengthening the role of HMIP and the PPO. This can be taken forward without primary legislation and so will not be in the Courts Bill. We will take opportunities where Parliamentary time allows to introduce measures to improve safety and security.

Prisoners: Suicide and Self-harm

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the provisions of the Courts Bill as introduced will include measures to reduce the level of suicide and self-harm in prisons.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The Courts Bill will reform our courts and tribunal system to improve access to justice, making better use of technology and modernising working practices. While the Bill does not include clauses on prisons, work to reduce levels of suicide and self-harm in prisons is already underway and does not require primary legislation.New training is being rolled out across the estate to support our staff to identify the risks and triggers of suicide and self-harm and understand what they can do to support prisoners at risk.We have put in place specialist roles - regional safer custody leads - in every region to provide advice to prisons and to spread good practice on identifying and supporting prisoners at risk.We are using experts – including providing extra funding for the Samaritans – to provide targeted support for prison staff and to prisoners directly. We are also auditing existing processes in each prisons for identifying, managing and helping prisoners at risk, so that we can identify best practice and target improvements where needed. Alongside this, the Government is investing £100 million a year to recruit an extra 2,500 prison officers. Additional staff will provide the capacity for them to give more time to directly supervising offenders, through one-to-one support from a key worker. Alongside a range of other activities to upskill staff and enhance the capability of the estate this engagement will be vital in reducing the currently unacceptable levels of self-harm and suicides.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Culture: Finance

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when she plans to introduce the new cultural development fund to use cultural investment to turn around communities; and if she will make a statement.

John Glen: We believe investment in arts and culture increases the economic, social and wellbeing benefits for individuals and communities. DCMS will continue to work with our sectors to explore new and innovative ways in which cultural investment can be used to foster economic growth in local areas whilst also benefitting the wider communities.

BBC Board: Public Appointments

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, for what reasons she did not appoint one of the above the line candidates for the role of representing Wales on the BBC Board.

Matt Hancock: The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport wrote to the Welsh Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language on 27th February 2017 seeking agreement on the preferred candidate, in accordance with Clause 23 (9) of the BBC Charter. The preferred candidate was found to be above the line by the panel, which included the Welsh Government representative.On 28th February 2017, the Welsh Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport stating that the Welsh Government was unable to endorse the preferred candidate.

Museums and Galleries: Fees and Charges

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what her Department's policy is on national museums charging for entry to temporary exhibitions.

John Glen: The Government is committed to maintain free entry to the permanent collections of major national museums and galleries as a condition of funding. Temporary exhibitions are a valuable addition to the museum visitor experience, but can be costly to put on. Charging for these exhibitions is, for many national museums, one way of generating commercial income to supplement their grant-in-Aid and philanthropic revenue. DCMS-sponsored national museums operate at arm's length from government, and decisions about curatorial matters and entrance fees for temporary exhibitions are taken independently by these organisations.

Athletics: Sportsgrounds

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will list the locations of all eight-lane athletics tracks constructed in England since the 2012 Olympics.

Tracey Crouch: According to Sport England’s Active Places Power database which maps community sports facilities in England, 7 new eight-lane athletics tracks have been built in England since 2012. They are as follows; Edge Hill Sport in OrmskirkLittle Marlow Running Track in MarlowPrissick Sports Village in MiddlesbroughRobert Blake and Elmwood Leisure in BridgwaterSt Marys School in AscotVictoria park in WarringtonWaltham Forest Feelgood Centre in Walthamstow This data can be found at: www.activeplacespower.com

BBC: Video on Demand

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what representations she has received on the BBC's mandatory sign-in policy for its online services; and what discussions she has had with Ofcom and the BBC on that policy.

Matt Hancock: Requiring users to sign-in to BBC online services was a decision taken by the BBC. The BBC is operationally and editorially independent from government, and the government has had no formal engagement with the BBC or Ofcom on this issue.

Department for Work and Pensions

Social Security Benefits: Disqualification

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants have been sanctioned; and for what reasons those claimants were sanctioned in Maidenhead constituency in each month since May 2015.

Damian Hinds: The available information on Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Universal Credit sanction decisions, by parliamentary constituency, is published and can be found at:https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/. Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html

Social Security Benefits: Disqualification

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants have been sanctioned; and for what reasons those claimants were sanctioned in Glasgow East constituency in each month since May 2015.

Damian Hinds: The available information on Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Universal Credit sanction decisions, by parliamentary constituency, is published and can be found at:https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/. Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html

State Retirement Pensions: Females

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, (a) on which dates and (b) by which means his Department has taken steps to raise awareness by way of publicity about changes to the UK state pension age for women born in the 1950s.

Guy Opperman: Between April 2009 and March 2011, the Department mailed women born between 6th April 1950 and 5th April 1953, informing them of their State Pension age under the 1995 Pensions Act. This involved sending 1.16 million letters to the affected women.Following the 2011 changes, DWP wrote to individuals directly affected to inform them of the change to their State Pension age. This applied to women born between 6th April 1953 and 5th April 1960. These letters were sent between January 2012 and November 2013. This involved sending 5.77 million letters to the affected men and women.In addition to writing directly to those affected, the Government provided a range of information in order for all individuals to be able to find out their State Pension age and conditions of their benefits. For example, following the Pensions Act 1995, State Pension estimates, issued to individuals on request, made the changes clear. Since 2000, the Department has issued 14 million State Pension estimates on request. Between 2003 and 2006, the Department issued about 16 million automatic pension forecasts, which were accompanied by a leaflet about State Pension age including equalisation. DWP also ran a pensions education campaign in 2004, which included informing people of the future equalisation of State Pension.

Social Security Benefits

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of matching basic benefit levels to the Minimum Income Standards calculated annually by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Damian Hinds: The potential merits of matching basic benefit levels to the JRF’s Minimum Income Standard have not been assessed.

Universal Credit: Scotland

Stephen Kerr: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress has been made on roll-out of Universal Credit in Scotland to date; and what lessons have been learned from that process.

Damian Hinds: From the early stages of the development and rollout of Universal Credit we have collaborated closely with Scottish Government, Local Authorities and stakeholders. Our roll out so far includes a mixture of rural and urban sites to help us better understand the complex requirements that a reform of this scale entails. We have noted concerns and unique circumstances in Scotland and have taken action to ensure that they are accommodated. We are also working closely with Scottish Government to plan for implementation of the UC flexibilities devolved to Scotland in the Scotland Act 2016. Universal Credit is available in every jobcentre in Scotland to all new claims from single jobseekers. We are expanding the UC full service and nine jobcentres are taking claims for all claimant types. Some of the lessons we have learned include the need for better communications with landlords and a smoother process for gathering information to make the first claim. We have made improvements to our processes as a result of this. The full details of when all Local Authorities and Jobcentres will roll out to Universal Credit is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/571711/universal-credit-transition-rollout-schedule-phase-4-to-6-2017-to-2018.pdf

Access to Work Programme

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment the Government has made of the effect of the cap on the Access to Work grant on the ability of (a) deaf and (b) other disabled people to enter the workforce.

Penny Mordaunt: In May 2015 the Government published an Equality Analysis of the impact of the reforms to Access to Work, which may be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/426416/future-of-access-to-work-equality-analysis.pdf This year the Cap is set at £42,100 per annum, calculated at one-and-a-half times the current annual average earnings figure. Access to Work has set up specialist teams, including dedicated high-value award teams, who are working with employers and customers to support them in making the most efficient and effective use of their awards. We are monitoring the application of the Cap and consider whether any further flexibilities may be required.

Universal Credit: Disqualification

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people who have claimed universal credit received a benefit sanction in 2016-17.

Damian Hinds: The latest available information on Universal Credit sanction decisions is up to December 2016 and is published at:https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/. Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html These statistics cover Universal Credit live service only, more information on these can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-sanctions-statistics-background-information-and-methodology

Ministry of Defence

Falkland Islands: Land mines

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with the Government of the Falkland Islands on support for mine-clearing operations; and what the timetable is for all mine-fields in the Falkland Islands to be cleared.

Mark Lancaster: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence visited the Falklands Islands in February 2016, and met with members of the Falkland Islands Government to discuss a range of issues. The joint Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Commonwealth Office funded Falkland Islands demining programme is making significant progress towards meeting the UK's obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. The current demining phase began in October 2016, tackling the most remote, environmentally-sensitive and complex minefields on the Islands, has already recovered over 3,000 anti-personnel mines and over 150 anti-tank mines, releasing over 3.5 million square metres back to the Islanders. The UK continues to keep the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention informed of its progress.

Islamic State

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 28 March 2017 to Answer 69549, what strategic and tactical changes have been made to coalition operations against Daesh since the (a) Ministerial Plenary for the Global Coalition Working to Defeat ISIS on 22 March 2017 and (b) inauguration of President Trump.

Sir Michael Fallon: We have made no strategic or tactical changes to Coalition operations during the period in question because the military campaign against Daesh is going well. Significant progress has been made in liberating territory formerly held by the terrorists, and although the fight is not yet over, millions of people across Iraq and Syria have been able to resume normal life.

Submarines: Decommissioning

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the first Royal Navy submarine to have been fully recycled under the Submarine Dismantling Project.

Harriett Baldwin: Under current planning assumptions HMS Swiftsure, as the demonstrator submarine, will allow the Submarine Dismantling Project to define and refine initial dismantling and recycling processes by Quarter one of 2022 and inform future contractual arrangements. The Ministry of Defence's Disposal Services Authority will agree with the successful contractor the optimum arrangement for removal of the submarine for conventional recycling, including time-scales.

Frigates

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects to decide on base porting arrangements between Devonport and Portsmouth for the new (a) Type 26 and (b) Type 31 frigates.

Harriett Baldwin: As we move towards the Type 26 Global Combat Ships entering service with the Royal Navy in the 2020s, preparations will include consideration of their future base porting.The Type 31e programme is in its pre-concept phase, therefore, no decisions have yet been taken on base porting arrangements.

Home Office

Unexplained Wealth Orders

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the Government plans for Unexplained Wealth Orders to come into operation.

Mr Ben  Wallace: Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWO) were placed in statute by the Criminal Finances Act which was passed on 27 April 2017. It is a powerful tool that will help tackle serious crime and international corruption. Agencies with civil recovery powers, such as the NCA and the Serious Fraud Office, can apply to the High Court for a UWO where the agency thinks that an individual holds property, and there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the known sources of the individual’s lawfully obtained income would be insufficient to enable the individual to obtain that property.If the person provides information in response to a UWO, the enforcement authority can then decide whether to investigate further, take recovery action or take no further action. If the person does not comply with a UWO, the property identified in the order is presumed to be recoverable under any subsequent civil recovery proceedings.However, there are a number of dependencies which must be implemented before this measure can be commenced. Work has begun on drafting new court rules and providing law enforcement agencies with guidance and training on how to use this measure. A statutory code of practice is also being drafted, and will undergo a public consultation prior to it being laid under the affirmative procedure. To ensure that law enforcement are able to confidently and robustly use UWOs, we will seek to commence UWOs once all these dependencies are in place.

Terrorism

Liz McInnes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will allocate resources to ensure that van hire firms and the police are able to share intelligence and information in order to prevent terrorist attacks using hired vans as weapons.

Mr Ben  Wallace: Partners from across Government, the police and the security services are considering what more can be done to prevent terrorist attacks using vehicles, including the use of hire vehicles. This is wide ranging work and includes consideration as to whether and where increased sharing of data and more effective use of intelligence systems and processes may assist these efforts.

Hezbollah

Paul Masterton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will proscribe the political wing of Hezbollah under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Mr Ben  Wallace: We do not routinely comment on whether an organisation is or is not under consideration for proscription. A decision to proscribe an organisation must be based on a belief that it is concerned in terrorism as defined in the Terrorism Act 2000.

Police: Employment

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Government plans to review Police and Crime Commissioners' responsibility for managing the employment of the Chief Constable for their area.

Mr Nick Hurd: Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) as directly elected individuals are best placed to make the decision to appoint, suspend or remove a Chief Constable to ensure the force can deliver their locally agreed police and crime priorities.In making a decision to compel a Chief Constable to resign or retire, a PCC is bound by certain requirements, including acting reasonably and fairly, and consulting the Chief Constable, the local police and crime panel (PCP) and Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary. The Home Office continues to work with partners to ensure the effectiveness of this process.

Refugees

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will review the effect of the non-provision of documentation, such as National Insurance numbers, on destitution among people who have been granted refugee status.

Brandon Lewis: Asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute are supported by the Home Office. If they are granted refugee status this support ends 28 days later because they are now allowed to work and can apply for mainstream welfare benefits. They are also provided with a Biometric Residence Permit and National Insurance Number to help them access these benefits. We are working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that newly recognised refugees are able to swiftly access benefits and employment support services.

Deportation

Mr Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the independent review of the deportation with assurances policy commissioned in November 2013 will be laid before the House.

Mr Ben  Wallace: The Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation’s report on Deportation with Assurances will be published as a Command Paper in due course.

Daniel Morgan Independent Panel

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the report of the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel will be published.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Panel has advised on its website (https://www.danielmorganpanel.independent.gov.uk/) that further material has been received which needs to be considered and that it expects to finalise its report in 2018, but that this remains under review. As outlined in the Terms of Reference, the Independent Panel will present its final Report to the Home Secretary who will make arrangements for its publication to Parliament.

HM Treasury

Child Benefit: Glasgow East

David Linden: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people are in receipt of child benefit payments in Glasgow East constituency.

David Linden: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people are in receipt of child tax credit payments in Glasgow East constituency.

David Linden: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people are in receipt of working tax credit payments in Glasgow East constituency.

Mel Stride: The number of Child Tax Credit recipients and the number of Working Tax Credit recipients broken down by Parliamentary constituency are published on the gov.uk website at: www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/525473/cwtc_awards_geog.pdfThe latest available figures are for 2014-15.The number of Child Benefit recipients, broken down by Parliamentary constituency are published on the gov.uk website at: www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/601984/Child_Benefit_Geographical_Statistics_Aug_2016.pdfThe latest available figures are as at 31st August 2016.

Debts

Frank Field: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the Government plans to bring forward legislative proposals on the breathing space mechanism for families in debt.

Stephen Barclay: The government fully supports the principles of better debt management and lower levels of problem debt. This government has a manifesto commitment to introduce a statutory breathing space that would give heavily indebted consumers a period of respite from enforcement action, and further interest and charges for a period of up to six weeks. Where appropriate, they will be offered a statutory repayment plan to help them pay back their debts in a sustainable way. We will outline further information in due course.

Community Interest Companies

Luke Pollard: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the benefits of exempting registered community benefit societies from (a) corporation tax and (b) business and non-domestic rates.

Mel Stride: Community benefit societies which are not registered charities currently pay corporation tax on their profits, investment income and any capital gains. At present the government does not consider a specific exemption from corporation tax to be appropriate as there are alternative routes by which community benefit societies could access an exemption- most importantly registering as a charity if the relevant conditions are met. The business rates system also includes a number of reliefs and exemptions for registered charities. If a community benefit society is a registered charity then it would be potentially eligible for this support. And all community benefit societies will benefit from the reduction in business rates announced at Budget 2016, which is worth almost £9bn.

Productivity: Cooperatives

Luke Pollard: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with (a) the co-operative sector and (b) representatives from employee-owned businesses on increasing national productivity by incentivising and encouraging employees.

Andrew Jones: The Chancellor and other Treasury Ministers regularly meet with a range of businesses to inform policy development on a wide range of topics, including on how to increase productivity.Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travelOn the specific issue of incentivising employees, the Government has asked Matthew Taylor to conduct an independent review of modern employment practices; this will include consideration of how employers can best inform and consult their workers.

Taxation: Private Education

Angela Rayner: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his policy is on the tax status of independent schools.

Mel Stride: The tax treatment for independent schools varies depending on whether or not they have charity status. In common with other organisations, independent schools must abide by [EU and UK] tax rules and pay all tax that is due.

National Insurance Contributions: Self-employed

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to increase national insurance contributions for self-employed people.

Mel Stride: The Government has no plans to increase Class 4 NICs, which are paid by self-employed people. As ever, the Government keeps all taxes under review.

Insurance: Terrorism

Neil Coyle: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that insurance companies pay out compensation due to businesses affected by recent terrorist attacks as quickly as possible.

Stephen Barclay: The Government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly and firms are required to do so under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules. The FCA sets the conduct standards required of insurance firms which aim to ensure consumers are treated fairly. This includes provisions relating to the handling of claims by insurers. The rules state that insurers must handle claims fairly and promptly; provide reasonable guidance to help a policyholder make a claim, and appropriate information on its progress; not reject a claim unreasonably; and settle claims promptly once settlement terms are agreed. Furthermore, through the Enterprise Act 2016, the Government introduced a legal requirement for claims to be made within a reasonable timescale, and created an entitlement to damages where claims are paid late. Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police, the Treasury has formally certified the London Bridge attack as an act of terrorism, following an established legal process. This is a necessary step before any claims can be made on the terrorism reinsurer, Pool Re. The Treasury recognises the urgency of responding to requests for certification and treats this as a matter of priority.

European Investment Bank

Ian Murray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government plans to replicate the level of funding received from the European Investment Bank in (a) the UK and (b) Scotland after the UK leaves the EU.

Ian Murray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much the European Investment Bank has invested in Scotland in each of the last 10 years; what direct investment there has been in Scottish infrastructure and small business; and what Scotland's share of European Investment Bank funding has been in UK-wide infrastructure projects.

Ian Murray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment the Government has made of the benefits of access to European Investment Bank funding for small businesses in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK.

Ian Murray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of losing access to European Investment Bank funding on (a) infrastructure and innovation investment and (b) access to finance for small businesses in (i) Scotland and (ii) the UK.

Elizabeth Truss: The future relationship between the UK and the EIB is something that will be determined as part of the negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU and the Government will not be giving a running commentary on these negotiations.The EIB publishes details of all their projects on their website. Financing details of all projects, including those in Scotland, for each of the past 10 years can be found in the link below : http://www.eib.org/projects/loan/list/?region=1&country=GB As part of the ongoing work on the UKs exit from the EU, HMT has been assessing the contribution EIB finance makes to the UK economy. In his Mansion House speech on 20 June, the Chancellor said that; “The European Investment Bank, and its offshoot, the European Investment Fund, have been an important source of funding for infrastructure investment and for growth businesses.”

Corporation Tax

Alan Brown: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Prime Minister's oral contribution of 21 June 2017, Official Report, column 61, what estimate the Government has made of the additional revenue that will be accrued to the public purse as a result of reductions in the rate of corporation tax.

Mel Stride: OECD analysis concludes that corporate taxes are the most harmful type of tax for economic growth. Cutting corporation tax allows companies to invest in expanding their business, boost wages, create jobs and lower prices for consumers. Despite cutting the rate, onshore corporation tax receipts have increased by over 50% from £36.2 billion in 2010-11 to £54.3 billion in 2016-17, above their pre-crisis peak. The Office for Budget Responsibility have projected receipts to increase further to £54.8 billion in 2021-22.

Debts

Rachel Reeves: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that unsecured debt remains at a sustainable level.

Stephen Barclay: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been given strong powers to take action and legislated to cap the cost of payday loans, helping reduce the number of pay-day loans from 4.2 million in the first half of 2014 to 1.8 million a year later. The Financial Policy Committee’s most recent assessment shows how it intends to monitor and mitigate these risks in its June 2017 Financial Stability Report.

Debts

Rachel Reeves: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that household debt remains at a sustainable level.

Stephen Barclay: The Financial Policy Committee details how it intends to monitor and mitigate these risks in its most recent “June 2017 Financial Stability Report”. Action has already been taken on loan-to-income ratios and mortgage affordability.

Air Passenger Duty: Scottish Government

Catherine McKinnell: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the effect on England's regional airports of devolving air passenger duty to the Scottish Government.

Ian Murray: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect on the (a) footfall at and (b) revenue of UK airports of the reduction in Air Passenger Duty in Scotland.

Mel Stride: The Scottish Government are yet to announce rates for their new Air Departure Tax (ADT). The UK government will closely monitor any effects of rate changes in Scotland on UK airports, and as announced at Autumn Statement 2016, the government has committed to reviewing ways of supporting English airports from any effects of Air Passenger Duty devolution once the UK has withdrawn from the European Union.

Department for Exiting the European Union

Brexit

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what estimate he has made of the number of treaties requiring renegotiation as a result of the UK's exit from the EU.

Mr Steve Baker: Many of the UK’s relationships with non-EU partners and international organisations rest in some way on our membership of the EU.The UK will seek to maintain the relationships and cooperation it currently enjoys with non-EU partners and international organisations as it exits the EU.We are currently conducting a detailed assessment of the agreements which will require replacement as a result of the UK’s exit from the UK and taking forward work with partners to do so.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Staff

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, how many staff are employed by his Department.

Mr Steve Baker: The Department is recruiting the brightest and the best from across the civil service, the wider public sector and the private sector. The Department for Exiting the European Union now has over 450 staff, and is growing fast.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Annual Reports

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, when he plans to publish his Department's Annual Report and Accounts for 2016-17.

Mr Steve Baker: The Department for Exiting the European Union intends to publish its 2016-17 Annual Report and Accounts before the House rises for the summer recess.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Government Contracts

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, with reference to the Answer of 20 February 2017 to Question 64393, when he plans to publish the transparency data on contracts over £10,000.

Mr Steve Baker: Transparency data relating to contracts over £10,000 will be published by the Department for Exiting the European Union in the near future.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Females

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what proportion of his Department's staff are women.

Mr Steve Baker: The Department for Exiting the European Union now has over 450 staff, and is growing fast. As the Department is currently recruiting a large number of staff we do not currently hold a full data set, but diversity data will be published in due course in line with CS reporting requirements.The Department is committed to the creation of a diverse and inclusive working environment to ensure staff do not face any barriers to success, and all staff feel supported at work. As such, the Department is committed to the steps established in the 2016 Talent Action Plan to help the Civil Service become the most inclusive employer in the UK.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Consultants

Liz McInnes: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what the cost to the public purse has been of private consultancy firms working for his Department on the process of the UK leaving the EU since his Department was established.

Mr Steve Baker: The Department for Exiting the European Union has used the services of a number of consulting firms to help with departmental set-up and planning. A small number of individuals are also on secondment from consultancy firms and external organisations. The Department will make further use of external support and recruitment as appropriate to ensure it has the right expertise available.The total expenditure on professional services and consultancy in the financial year 2016-17 will be published in the annual report and accounts. Specific contracts awarded over £10,000 and items of expenditure over £25,000 will be reported in due course.

Department for International Trade

Foreign Investment in UK: Glasgow East

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions he has had with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) external organisations on attracting trade and international investment to Glasgow East constituency.

Mark Garnier: The Department for International Trade is working with citizens and businesses from across the UK to ensure we develop a trade policy that works for the whole of the UK, and reflects the interests of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade has met and exchanged correspondence with Keith Brown, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work; attended the Joint Ministerial Committee with the Devolved Governments to discuss trade and investment issues and met with international companies based in Glasgow. The Department's Ministers have appeared in front of the Scottish Parliament's Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee and discussed trade issues with Paul Wheelhouse, MSP, Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy.

UK Trade with EU: Exports

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment he has made of the value of exports from businesses in (a) Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK to other EU member states in each year since 2010.

Mark Garnier: Data on the value of exports from businesses in Linlithgow and East Falkirk are not available.Data on the value of exports from Scotland are available from:a) the Scottish Government (covering both goods and services)http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/Exports/ESSPublicationb) HMRC’s Regional Trade Statistics (covering goods only)https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/RTS/Pages/default.aspxData on the value of UK exports to other EU member states (covering both goods and services) are available from the ONS Pink Book (corrected data published on 13th February 2017): https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/nationalaccounts/balanceofpayments/adhocs/006656balanceofpaymentsannualgeographicaldatatablesThe data from these sources are not directly comparable as they have been produced on a different basis.

Aluminium: USA

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the implications for the UK steel industry of the US Section 232 investigation on the effect of imports of aluminium on US national security.

Mark Garnier: Given the breadth and depth of the UK-US relationship, there are regular discussions between UK Ministers and their US counterparts on economic and other issues – including the current Section 232 investigations. Global overcapacity in steel and other sectors has also been discussed regularly with international partners, including at the G7 Summit.My Rt. hon Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade visited Washington on 19-20 June for meetings with the Commerce Secretary and United States Trade Representative, to discuss a range of issues including the future UK/US trade relationship and key UK interests including steel.

House of Commons Commission

House of Commons: Security

Jim McMahon: To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will undertake an impact assessment of the effect of changes in funding to frontline policing on public safety.

Tom Brake: The Parliamentary Security Department works closely in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service and will continue to ensure that appropriate resources, including from policing, are available to enable the safety and security of the Parliamentary Estate.

Members: ICT

Chi Onwurah: To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, for what reasons hon. Members were offered only tablets manufactured by Apple; and if the Commission will take steps to offer Android and other tablet devices to (a) new hon. Members and (b) other hon. Members.

Tom Brake: The Parliamentary Digital Service currently offers three tablets to Members:iPad (128GB; Wi-Fi & Cellular enabled) Case OptionaliPad (128GB; Wi-Fi enabled) Case OptionalAndroid Tablet (Samsung Galaxy Tab S2)All Members are able to purchase these as part of their agreed hardware allowance, or through the IPSA office costs allowance.At the New Members Reception Area the allocation and process were kept the same as at the 2015 General Election, so that Members were offered one laptop and one iPad.Our policy is to be device-independent as far as possible when developing new apps. For instance the House papers app functions in IOS and Android, as does the Commons Order Papers app.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Agriculture: Northern Ireland

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with officials of the Northern Ireland Executive and other key stakeholders in Northern Ireland on the implications of the UK leaving the EU for agri-food (a) producers and (b) labelling sectors.

George Eustice: Defra has been in regular contact, including in recent weeks, with officials from the Northern Ireland Executive on matters relating to the UK’s exit from the EU. I visited Northern Ireland in October 2016 to discuss issues including food labelling. The former Secretary of State visited in December to meet beef farmers, dairy processors and the Brexit Consultative Committee.

Microplastics

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the timetable is for the EU to agree a ban on microbeads.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: There is no agreed timetable for action by the EU.

Nature Conservation

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support his Department gives to wildlife and conservation bodies to help purchase land for conservation and shooting purposes.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: In England, we provide a range of payments to landowners, farmers and rural businesses through our Countryside Stewardship scheme and other rural grants and payments. Some of these are used to support land management for wildlife and other environment benefits and are open to a wide range of landowners or managers, including wildlife and conservation bodies. These payments cannot be used for land purchase. Defra and its non-departmental bodies have purchased land to provide compensation for habitat loss, working with wildlife and conservation bodies to ensure appropriate management: this does not involve provide funding for those bodies to acquire the land. We do provide grant-in-aid to the National Forest Company which is the charitable body established to lead on the development of the National Forest. Some of this funding can be used to acquire land for woodland planting and for promoting public enjoyment of woodland.

Fisheries: Treaties

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Government plans to trigger the UK's exit from the London Convention.

George Eustice: We will set out our plans to fulfil our manifesto commitment in due course.

Flood Control: Capital Investment

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent progress his Department has made on investment in flood defences.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: As the Government manifesto outlines, we will continue to invest a record £2.5 billion over six years to better protect the country from flooding. This includes over 1,500 flood defence schemes, which will better protect more than 300,000 properties by 2021. From April 2015 until May 2017, this investment has given better protection to 97,000 homes. This has been achieved by £785 million of Government grants in aid and £179 million of external contributions.

Floods: Insurance

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress has been made on supporting businesses who are unable to get flood insurance as part of their commercial insurance.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The British Insurance Broker Association (BIBA) insurance product, launched in December 2016, provides flood insurance for many small businesses that have struggled to access it to-date. We understand that this new product is already providing insurance and has strong support from brokers. BIBAs ‘Find a Broker Service’ can help business identify local brokers participating in the BIBA scheme and is accessible through BIBAs website. https://www.biba.org.uk/find-insurance/results/?insurance=908 The Government continues to work with commercial interests under the Property Level Resilience Roundtable to promote the uptake of measures that make properties resilient to flooding. These are measures that prevent water entering a property and speeding recovery when it does. One objective is to develop better standards and certification, enabling insurers to take greater account of resilience measures in the future.

Northern Ireland Office

Brexit: Northern Ireland

Maria Caulfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans the Government has for the representation of Northern Ireland at the negotiations on the UK leaving the EU in the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Chloe Smith: We have made clear that we will negotiate as one UK for all parts of the United Kingdom. We are committed to ensuring that the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland are understood, protected and advanced. We are working to ensure that stable devolved government can resume because it is important that a Northern Ireland Executive can contribute to the debate.

Department of Health

Homeopathy

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make it his policy to end NHS funding of homeopathy.

Steve Brine: NHS England and NHS Clinical Commissioners are currently working on commissioning guidance including for medicines where there is a lack of robust evidence of clinical effectiveness. This will include guidance on homeopathy and it is due out for consultation shortly.

NHS: Reorganisation

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will commission an independent review of the evidence base supporting the case for change before approving any sustainability and transformation plan.

Steve Brine: Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) are led by local clinicians in the best interests of patients. Local areas, including commissioners, providers and local authorities, have come together to decide how to improve services. No changes will occur without the normal local consultation. When any substantial service reconfiguration is proposed, STPs must deliver on the four tests of service reconfiguration, including using a clear clinical evidence base that supports the change.

NHS: Reorganisation

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he has undertaken a national risk assessment of the sustainability and transformation plan process.

Steve Brine: NHS England and NHS Improvement do not intend to undertake a national risk assessment of Sustainability and Transformation plan process. Local areas are in the best position to make an assessment on risk within their Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs). All STPs are required to follow the four tests of service reconfiguration when making any substantial change to a footprint, including consulting with their local community when necessary, which helps to mitigate against any risk.

Hysterectomy: Anaesthetics

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make an assessment of different approaches to anaesthesiology for hysteroscopy procedures used by the NHS.

Mr Philip Dunne: The National Health Service carries out hysteroscopy procedures in accordance with guidelines for clinical practice in gynaecology which are issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Royal College of Gynaecology and the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy.

Fibrous Dysplasia

Matt Warman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assistance his Department provides to support sufferers of fibrous dysplasia.

Steve Brine: Fibrous dysplasia is usually diagnosed in children or young adults, but mild cases may go undiagnosed until adulthood. In some cases, fibrous dysplasia may not require treatment; in other cases, certain medications and surgical procedures may be recommended. The National Health Service treats patients with both moderate and severe forms of fibrous dysplasia. In patients who have the rare form with more than one bone affected (polyostotic), their care should involve a combination of care from both specialised endocrinology centres and orthopaedic services.

Abortion: Northern Ireland

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what legal costs the Government has incurred as a result of the case of case of R (on application of A and B) v Secretary of State for Health (Respondent) [2017].

Jackie Doyle-Price: Legal costs in relation to the case of R (on application of A and B) (Appellants) v Secretary of State for Health (Respondent) have yet to be finalised.

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust: Mental Health Services

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to ensure that Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Mental Health Trust does not reduce its mental health budgets; and what information his Department holds on changes to the level of those budgets planned for the next five years.

Jackie Doyle-Price: West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is the lead commissioner on mental health for Cheshire and Wirral. The CCG intends to increase funding over the next five years. The CCG advises that its contracted mental health spend in 2017/18 is £26.251 million, which equates to a 4.7% increase in spend compared to 2016/17. 95% of this budget is directly contracted with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Clinical Commissioning Groups: Finance

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what support his Department is providing to clinical commissioning groups that are in deficit to allow them to meet clinical need.

Mr Philip Dunne: All clinical commissioning groups in deficit receive additional support from the NHS England regional teams and local offices in helping them to manage their resources as effectively as possible, whilst supporting their day to day decision making. This allows them to meet the clinical need of the local area. NHS England is also in the process of revising the work programme for the financial resilience programme, which aims to provide broader support to all clinical commissioning groups, with a particular focus on those in deficit. Clinical commissioning groups in deficit will often also benefit from a review by external advisors to help clarify the nature of their financial challenge, and to help craft solutions to ensure that the local clinical need is best met.

Clinical Commissioning Groups: Finance

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the national funding formula for clinical commissioning groups.

Mr Philip Dunne: NHS England is responsible for the national funding formula for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). NHS England makes allocations to CCGs, informed by advice from the independent external Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation. NHS England is mandated by Government to allocate resources on the basis of need and without destabilising local health economies. The process has been subject to external scrutiny via the National Audit Office.

Clinical Commissioning Groups: Finance

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if the Government will provide transitional funding to assist clinical commissioning groups that are in deficit.

Mr Philip Dunne: NHS England’s business rules require all clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to have a balanced financial plan for 2017-18. Any CCGs planning to go into deficit have to satisfy NHS England that they can return to a breakeven or surplus position in the short to medium term and that the deficit is unavoidable. Where CCGs indicate a deteriorating position they will come under close scrutiny from the regional teams and can be put in recovery which means that they have to develop and agree recovery plans with NHS England. Transitional funding will not be provided to CCGs in deficit, though in establishing the period over which the CCG should return to a balanced financial position, NHS England takes account of the level of deficit, the pressures facing the organisation and the level of growth in funding.

NHS: Pay

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on NHS pay.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Secretary of State has discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a range of issues, including National Health Service finances.

Dental Services

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to increase local provision and equitable access to NHS dental care.

Steve Brine: Overall access to National Health Service dentistry continues to increase. 22.2 million adults were seen by a dentist in the 24 month period ending 31 March 2017 and 6.8 million children in the 12 month period ending 31 March 2017. This represents 58,500 more adults and 47,400 more children than the previous quarter. NHS England is responsible for commissioning NHS dental services and has a legal duty to commission primary care dental services to meet local needs. Whilst access has increased nationally we know there are areas where there is still further to go in ensuring that all those who want to access NHS dentistry can do so. New ways of providing care are being trialled to reform the current dental contract to further improve oral health and increase access, by preventing as well as treating disease, so freeing up resources. Alongside this a new programme, the Starting Well Programme, is being developed to work in 13 high needs areas to improve the oral health of children under the age of five who would not normally be regular dental attenders.

Ambulance Services: Private Sector

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans the Government has to regulate independent ambulance services.

Mr Philip Dunne: NHS Improvement regulates all independent providers of National Health Service-funded care, including ambulance services, unless they are exempt for the following reasons:- the providers are not required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC);- the providers are small providers of NHS-funded healthcare services whose annual turnover from providing NHS services is less than £10 million;- they are providers of primary medical and dental services;- they are providers of NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care; or- the provider is an NHS trust which will only be licensed when they are authorised as an NHS foundation trust.All independent providers of ambulance services must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and satisfy their registration requirements. As part of this work the CQC are inspecting all independent ambulance services by the end of March 2018, and are already sharing findings from these inspections with the sector in order to drive improvement. We are working closely with the CQC and will consider any recommendations they make.Where an independent ambulance provider is working on behalf of an NHS ambulance trust the independent provider will also be subject to continuous monitoring by the trust, to ensure they are delivering to the same rigorous safety and quality standards and inspections as NHS ambulance services.

Mental Health Services: Expenditure

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the planned expenditure on mental health services in the NHS is in each year until 2020-21 expressed in 2016-17 prices.

Jackie Doyle-Price: In 2016/17 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and NHS England’s specialised commissioning spend on mental health increased to £11.6 billion from the previous year (7.3% increase for CCGs and specialised commissioning, 8.2% for CCGs). Planned spend for CCGs and NHS England specialised commissioning is £11.8 billion in 2017/18 (2.3% increase for CCGs and Specialised, 2.7% for CCGs) and £12.0 billion in 2018/19 (2.1% increase for CCGs and Specialised, 2.5% for CCGs). This represents £11.6 billion in 2017/18 and £11.7 billion in 2018/19 expressed in 2016/17 ‘prices’. 2017/18 and 2018/19 are subject to validation as part of the financial planning process.

Pregnancy: Mental Health Services

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to page 98 of the report, UK Poverty: Causes and Solutions, published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on 6 September 2016, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the recommendation to ensure that additional investment of £280 million per annum is made in NHS perinatal mental health services, to bring them up to NICE guidance standards.

Jackie Doyle-Price: This Government is committed to improving perinatal mental health services for all women during pregnancy and in the first postnatal year, so that women are able to access the right care at the right time and close to home. The Spring Budget in March 2015 and the Spending Review in November 2015 both recognised perinatal mental health services as a priority area for additional investment, totalling £365 million from 2015/16 to 2020/21. NHS England is leading the programme of work to transform specialist perinatal mental health services, so that by 2020/21 at least 30,000 more women each year are able to access evidence-based specialist mental health care during the perinatal period. This includes access to psychological therapies and specialist community or inpatient care.